El maravilloso mundo de los palillos: sus nuevos y silenciosos amigos domésticos

The family of Pajić has become known for its unique collection of stick insects, which have grown from a simple pet into a cherished part of their lives. The story began in 2020 when the daughter of the family purchased her first Australian stick insect. Initially intended as a quiet household companion, these peculiar creatures soon captured the interest of the entire family. Over time, the collection expanded to include Vietnamese stick insects, sunstick insects, and living leaves, with each year bringing new additions and deepening affection. By 2023, the family had joined the group of enthusiasts at Bleđe’s Miracle Animals, and two years later, they became members of the exotic animal lovers' society Bioexo. Today, the Pajić family in Jesenice owns more than 70 different species of stick insects and live leaves. Stick insects are a special group of beetles that have fully adapted to their environments over time. Their bodies often mimic branches, leaves, or even tree bark, making them nearly invisible in nature. This camouflage helps them survive against predators. Amir Pajić explains, “Their bodies mimic branches, leaves, or even tree bark, which makes them very difficult to spot in nature. Camouflage serves them well in surviving against predators.” This ability to blend seamlessly into their surroundings is one of the most remarkable traits of stick insects. Often, they can be observed very close up, yet due to their perfect adaptation to their environment, they remain unnoticed. What further captivates many is the diversity among stick insects. Some are extremely small, while others can surprise with their size. A spokesperson notes, “They are calm, harmless, and incredibly diverse. Some are just a few centimeters long, while others can measure over half a meter when their legs are extended and come in all possible colors.” Each species has its own unique method of camouflage or hiding, with some mimicking dry branches, others leaves, and still others blending perfectly with their surroundings through color. Globally, there are more than 3,000 known species of stick insects. Although many recognize them primarily as unusual house pets, they are widely distributed in nature. A researcher explains, “As of today, we know more than 3,000 species, and researchers continue to discover new ones. Most of them live in tropical regions of Asia, Australia, South America, and Africa, while some species can also be found in Europe.” Their widespread presence is due to their exceptional ability to adapt to various environments. The highest number of species is found in areas rich in vegetation, which provides effective camouflage and feeding opportunities. One of the most fascinating aspects of certain species is their mode of reproduction. “Some species can reproduce without males. This process is called parthenogenesis. Young stick insects can develop from unfertilized eggs,” the expert adds. Many people initially feel fear or resistance upon seeing these insects, but this attitude often changes once they get to know them closely. “Most people change their opinion when they see a stick insect up close. They are very calm and gentle animals, do not bite, do not chew, and are not dangerous,” the speaker says. Contact with these creatures can help foster a better understanding of nature. “Many times, it's exactly the contact with a stick insect that helps overcome the fear of beetles and fosters greater respect for nature.” Stick insects are becoming increasingly popular as household pets, especially because of their low maintenance and interesting behavior. “They are interesting to observe and at the same time very easy to care for. They don’t require much space, don’t make noise, and have no unpleasant smell,” a representative states. Their developmental cycle is also intriguing to watch. “Their behavior, movements, and development from egg to adult are very interesting for both children and adults. Their life cycle is approximately around”